What is dry eye?
We say that we are facing a dry eye when there are not enough tears in quantity and quality to keep the eyes lubricated, and the problem can affect only one eye (unilateral) or, then, both eyes (bilateral). In most cases, the problem affects both eyes.
On certain occasions or circumstances, the eye can be dry without any eye problems or eye disease. Pollution, excessive exposure to the sun, wind, exposure to air conditioning or environments that somehow make the air drier are factors that can facilitate the evaporation of tears and, therefore, cause dry eyes.
Watching television for long periods or frequent use of computers, cell phones, tablets, and other digital devices also causes dry eyes. This fact is related to the difference between the number of times we “blink” our eyes in a usual way and when we use this type of devices. In addition to these, other factors may be at the origin of the problem. See more information on factors that contribute to dry eye and prevention.
In some patients, there may be an eye problem (pathology) that causes dry eye, as we will see below.
Dry eye syndrome
In dry eye syndrome or dry eye disease, there is not enough tear production or, then, the tears, despite being sufficient, do not have the necessary quality to keep the eyes lubricated.
Tears also aim to protect the ocular surface from infections and harmful effects of the environment. These contain vitamins, minerals, proteins and lipids. The presence of all these substances makes it possible to obtain quality tears to hydrate, nourish and lubricate the cornea.
Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands, located behind the upper eyelid. With blinking, they spread out and make the corneal surface shiny and transparent, forming the tear film.
The tear film is made up of three layers: lipid, aqueous, and mucin. The lipid layer is the outermost and prevents tear evaporation, the innermost layer is the mucin and allows the tear film to adhere to the cornea, in turn, the thickest layer is the aqueous layer and consists of water.
The eye can be considered dry not only because of the lack of sufficient amounts of these constituents, but also when the quality is altered. The eye can be dry not only because of the quantity of these constituents but also if the quality is altered.
Thus, if the diagnosis of dry eye syndrome is confirmed, as the patient has poor ocular lubrication, the eye suffers a kind of aggression, even trauma, with blinking.
When dry eyes occur when waking up, this problem is probably related to the dry eye syndrome or disease, that is, there is a decrease in the amount of tears, essentially in the basal production, or a deficiency in their quality, namely, alteration of the lipid layer or mucin from the tear film.
Dry eye symptoms
In dry eyes, one of the most common symptoms is redness and burning or itching in the eyes. Excessive production of tears (“ watery eyes ”), excessive irritation of the eye (from smoke or wind) and discomfort and complications with the use of contact lenses are also the most frequent signs and symptoms of dry eyes.
Patients typically report that their eyes feel dry and red, accompanied by burning. Blurred or “blurred” vision may occur, mainly at the end of the day. In some situations, there may be pain in the eyes that can be more intense in the most severe cases.
Patients suffering from dry eye syndrome experience several signs and symptoms that can cause a lot of discomforts, mainly in the presence of severe dry eye.
Causes of dry eye
The most frequent causes of dry eye are: age, menopause, continuous or excessive computer use, air conditioning, use of contact lenses and some medications (diuretics, antihistamines, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, analgesics, contraceptives, in some ocular diseases and in some systemic diseases, etc.). Dry eye can occur in people of both sexes and at any age, although females are most affected.
The diagnosis should be made by an ophthalmologist through tests that measure the quality and production of tears. The tests are quick, painless and non-invasive.
Is dry eye curable?
Dry eye syndrome has no cure. However, there are effective ways of controlling the disease that allows patients to restore perfectly normal life. Find out how to treat dry eye below.
Dry eye treatment
Treatment for dry eye essentially involves the use of artificial tears in drops (eye drops) placed in the eyes several times a day, depending on the need. Sometimes, the use of eye drops is not enough and it may be necessary to use anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics, among others, for effective control of the disease. In certain situations, the occlusion of the lacrimal points is useful, preventing the drainage of tears through the lacrimal pathways, and allowing them to remain on the ocular surface.
The ophthalmologist, based on the observation and tests carried out, will decide on the most appropriate treatment for dry eye for each patient.
Patients, in addition to medical treatment, should avoid contact with the risk factors mentioned above, such as prolonged and excessive use of the computer (taking breaks for example), avoiding air conditioning, etc.
Dry eye drops
In the treatment of dry eye, several types of artificial tears (eye drops) are used, and it is important to choose the best eye drops for an effective treatment. It is essential that these eye drops do not contain preservatives, as their use can cause serious eye allergies (conjunctivitis).
Advice from an ophthalmologist on the correct use of eye drops for dry eyes, or another medication is essential for effective treatment.
Dry eyes – what to do?
In addition to consulting an ophthalmologist in order to make a possible diagnosis of dry eye syndrome, it is also necessary to take some preventive measures or “natural treatment” for the health of your eyes.
Changing habits when using the computer or other digital devices, choosing the monitor, adapting the lighting in the workplace and at home, and routines during the day or night, among others, are all measures that can help prevent or treat the problem of dry eyes.
